Sails, swims, and quiet coves in three hours. This private charter glides across Pittwater with a skipper, gives you the option to help hoist the sails, and then builds the day around clean-water swimming and uncrowded shoreline. You start at Palm Beach Wharf, get onboard comforts like towels and sunscreen, and can keep it simple with a BYO lunch or add catering if you want.

What I really like is the easy, human hosting. Skipper Michael comes across as patient and flexible—exactly the kind of guide who can teach you without making it feel like a lesson. I also like that snorkeling equipment is included, because it turns the water stops into something active you can actually enjoy.

One consideration: the experience runs on good weather. The schedule assumes you’ll be able to sail and swim, and they note it depends on conditions—so if the sea is up, you may need to adjust expectations or rebook.

Key highlights at a glance

• Private charter for up to 6: Your group gets the boat time, attention, and pace.
• You choose your involvement level: Help set sails or stay relaxed on deck.
• Swim-ready extras included: Towels, sunscreen, bathroom onboard, and snorkel gear.
• Coves and lagoons over crowds: The best stops are water-access only.
• Local wildlife and big views: You may see seals, wallabies, and other coastal life.
• A skipper who flexes to your day: Michael (with Linda aboard) keeps things friendly and responsive.

3 hours on Pittwater: the feel of a private sailing day

A 3-hour sail sounds short on paper. In practice, it’s a sweet length for doing the fun parts without turning your day into a long travel slog. You get enough time to clear the bay, reach standout swim spots, and still leave feeling like you did something special—not just sat on a boat.

What makes this format work is pacing. It’s not a rigid “watch this, then that” routine. With a private charter, the skipper can steer the day toward what your group wants—more time in calm water, a faster look at a headland, or extra time anchored for swimming.

And yes, you can chase sun. There’s room to soak up the light from the foredeck, grab a cold drink, and enjoy the simple pleasure of sailing under your own small-time schedule.

Palm Beach Wharf start: easy boarding and “help or don’t” sailing

You meet at Palm Beach Wharf, and the charter ends back there. This matters more than it sounds: you’re not doing a complicated logistics puzzle before you even get out on the water.

Once you’re onboard, the crew focuses on attention to detail and a relaxed vibe. The sails go up, and you’re welcome to participate—so if you’ve ever wanted to understand what’s happening when a boat moves under wind, this is a good “hands-on without pressure” way to learn.

If you’d rather not, that’s fine too. The day is set up so you can sit back and take in the coast while still having a real sense of motion.

Michael also stands out in the way he teaches. The goal is not to overwhelm you with jargon. It’s more like: get your bearings fast, then enjoy what you’re doing.

Barrenjoey Headland and the lighthouse walk view

After leaving Palm Beach, you’ll head toward Barrenjoey Headland. The lighthouse sits right up top, and the plan includes a walk after the charter so you can stretch your legs and see the view from land.

This stop can also come with bonus sightings. The route gives you a chance to spot a seal colony lazing on the rocks or swimming in the water. It’s one of those “keep your eyes moving” moments that can make the trip feel extra alive.

If you like coastal scenery, this is a strong segment. You get that high-and-wide perspective that you just can’t replicate from the waterline alone—then you’re back aboard to chase the next swim stop.

Portuguese Beach: a swim stop built for clean water and no crowd energy

The first anchored highlight is Portuguese Beach. This is the kind of place you appreciate because it feels removed from the everyday noise. It’s water-access only, which is why it doesn’t feel crowded.

The plan is simple: anchor, swim in fresh clean water, and use the beach time to walk along the shoreline. That “swim, then stretch and wander” rhythm is a big part of why this sail works for groups who want both fun and calm.

Two practical tips if you want the most from this stop:

• Bring footwear you’re comfortable getting sandy in, since walking happens.
• If you plan to snorkel, don’t wait until the end. Early in the stop is when the light and water clarity can feel most rewarding.

This is also a good option if you want a lunch moment without turning it into an event. BYO food and drink works well here because the beach time naturally breaks the day up.

Coasters Retreat lagoon: wildlife spotting and calmer water for kids

Next up is Coasters Retreat, a place known for scenery and wildlife. The area has wallabies and goannas around the campground, and it’s also described as a fun “day trip by ferry” kind of spot—so you’re not just anchoring anywhere. You’re going to a shoreline with a real feel.

There’s a specific reason this stop shines: behind the campground is a shallow lagoon. That makes it a better fit for younger kids or anyone who prefers gentler water.

One of the most positive things about this segment is that it’s family-friendly without forcing you to turn the boat day into a kids’ activity camp. You can manage swims at your own pace, and the nature around you gives everyone something to watch besides just swimming.

From a practical standpoint, plan on using the full time. People often rush the first swim stop, then feel like the rest of the day is just recovery. Here, the lagoon helps you slow down in a good way.

Broken Bay to Lion Island: rugged cliffs, possible ocean roll, and WW2 leftovers

Then the day shifts into bigger-bay sailing toward Broken Bay. This segment includes sailing with the potential for more movement—something they explicitly flag as dependent on weather. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s worth keeping that in mind and choosing a spot on the boat where you can see the horizon.

Along the route, you pass rugged cliff lines of West Head. You also see remains of WW2 gun fortifications, which adds a layer of historical texture without turning the day into a museum visit.

After that, the sail continues toward Lion Island at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River. The main value here is the change in scenery. You go from sheltered, swim-focused coves to more dramatic coastline and open-water feeling, then you return with that sense of having actually traveled—on a boat that’s small enough to feel personal.

Scotland Island option: a bonus loop for extra exploring

There’s an optional add-on to sail around Scotland Island. It’s described as lying in Pittwater, not far from mainland suburbs like Church Point and Bayview to the south, so it can be a nice “one more viewpoint” moment.

This is especially worth considering if your group is photo-driven or if you want a bit more variety in the coastline shapes you see during the 3 hours. Since it’s an option, you can also treat it like a decision point rather than a fixed “must do.”

If you’re traveling with mixed-energy people—some who want lots of swimming and some who love looking out across water—this flexibility tends to make the whole day feel more fair.

What’s included onboard (and how to use it well)

The included package is genuinely useful for a short sail:

• Towels for swimming
• Sunscreen
• Bathroom onboard
• Bluetooth music system
• Snorkeling equipment

That list matters because it removes the common small annoyances. On a lot of boat trips, you end up improvising—no towel, no lotion, or you bring snorkel gear that never fits right. Here, you’re set up to use the swim time fully.

You can also control the mood with music. The Bluetooth system is there, and that’s a simple way to make the boat feel like your day rather than a timed excursion.

My practical advice: pack like you’re going to swim, even if you think you won’t. Bring a change of clothes, something easy to rinse, and a water bottle you can keep nearby. Even with sunscreen provided, it’s smart to reapply if you’re out in strong sun.

BYO lunch versus letting them cater: keeping the day easy

Lunch is flexible. The default is BYO food and drink, which is good news for value and for controlling what you eat. With swim stops and anchoring time, you don’t need a fancy meal—something you can handle outdoors works best.

There’s also the option for catering (fees apply). That can be worth it if you don’t want to plan anything or if your group prefers someone else handling the food side. The key is that the sail stays the star; food is a support act, not the whole event.

If you’re BYO-ing, keep it low-stress:

• Choose food you can eat without messy cleanup
• Plan drinks you can sip while sailing
• Don’t forget you may be wet and warm when you eat

Price and value: $537.93 for up to 6 people

The price is $537.93 per group (up to 6). That’s effectively the cost of booking a small, private boat experience rather than a per-person ticket.

If you have 6 people, it starts to feel like good value because you’re splitting the charter across a full group. Even at smaller group sizes, you’re paying for privacy, a dedicated skipper, and the ability to tailor the day around your pace.

Where this gets smart is that the experience includes the practical swim items—towels, sunscreen, and snorkel gear. Those small costs add up fast if you’d have to buy or rent them separately.

Also, the advance booking pattern suggests it’s a popular way to spend a day on the water. If you know your travel dates, don’t assume you can book last minute.

Weather and sea state: when to expect changes

This is a sailing experience, so good weather is part of the equation. The route notes that the sail into Broken Bay can feel like roll from the ocean, subject to conditions. That means you’ll want to be realistic about comfort on the day.

What I recommend:

• If you’re bringing kids, plan for a mix of calm water enjoyment and a bit of bobbing time.
• If your group is sensitive to motion, ask for guidance on where to sit once onboard.
• Keep an eye on how you feel during the first stretch, then adjust if needed.

The good news is that the skipper approach described here is flexible. Michael is noted as patient and adaptable, so if your group’s vibe changes once you’re out there, it’s not likely to become awkward.

Should you book this 3-hour private charter?

Book it if you want a private Pittwater day that balances sailing, swimming, and scenery in a short window. It’s a strong fit for families, friend groups, and couples who like the idea of helping with sails but mostly prefer to relax.

It’s also a good choice if you hate crowded tourist schedules. The anchors and swim spots are chosen for water access and that quieter feel, and that’s exactly what makes it feel like a real day out—not a tick-the-box tour.

Don’t book it if weather-dependent water time would stress you out. If your travel dates are tight and you’re worried about changes due to sea conditions, you might want to build in a little buffer.

FAQ

How long is the private skippered sailing yacht charter?

It runs for about 3 hours.

How many people can I book for?

The charter price is for up to 6 people per group.

Where does the sailing charter start and end?

It starts at Palm Beach Wharf, Palm Beach NSW 2108, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. You can BYO food and drink, or choose catering for an extra fee.

What swimming items are included onboard?

Towels for swimming, sunscreen, and snorkeling equipment are included. There is also a bathroom onboard.

What happens if weather is poor or I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.

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